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Tips For Growing A Lemon Tree In Small Spaces Indoors
By NICK POLISHCHUK
When you think of lemons, you might imagine them growing on massive trees. However, you can grow them indoors with a pot, potting mix, ample light, and consistent moisture.
For young plants, use a 12-inch pot and fill it with ⅓ each of perlite, peat, and potting soil. Perlite aerates the soil and aids drainage, while peat adds acidity.
Lemon trees need full sun for six to eight hours daily, so place them in a bright spot. Keep the temperature around 65 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage growth, especially in winter.
In summer, gradually move the tree outside, starting in the shade before moving to full sun. Conversely, acclimate the tree to a shady spot before moving it indoors in the fall.
Lemon trees need adequate irrigation, so water them when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Fertilize them with food made for plants that like acid during its growing season.
Indoor trees need pruning to control their canopy size. Prune them down to lateral branches in the spring for the desired shape, and wash foliage to clean leaves and prevent pests.
You can propagate a lemon tree from cuttings in late spring. Plant hardened shoots in a moist potting mix and transplant them into a container when roots grow more than an inch.